October is National Seafood Month, and between festivals, markets teeming with fresh seafood, and world-class fishing, the locals of Wakulla County know how to celebrate in style. Check out the following ways that you can make the most out of National Seafood Month 2017.
1st Annual Cluster Shuck Oyster Fest
This year, Panacea Waterfronts Florida is hosting the premiere edition of the Cluster Shuck Oyster Fest, and shellfish lovers from all across the region are already anticipating this exciting event. This festival is all about showcasing the incredible farm-raised local oysters that reach their peak in the autumn months.
There will be an abundance of raw oysters on-the-half-shell available for you to savor, but chefs from throughout the region will also be preparing some unique oyster dishes that are sure to excite your palate.
If you’re a beer aficionado you know that nothing goes better with a plate of oysters than a cold brew, so there will be excellent beers on hand for you to sample as well. Be sure to head to Wooley Park in Panacea on Sunday, October 22nd from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and make the Cluster Shuck Oyster Fest one of your new annual traditions!
St. Marks Stone Crab Festival
Gulf seafood fanatics await the arrival of stone crab season every autumn, and there’s no better way to mark its arrival than by attending the St. Marks Stone Crab Festival. On Saturday, October 28, 2017, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, you’ll have your chance to enjoy plenty of stone crab claws that are fresh-caught from the Gulf waters.
In addition to the stone crab bounty, there will be a variety of other food options, high-quality arts and crafts from local vendors, and live music and entertainment throughout the day. It’s going to be a fantastic fall afternoon for the whole family. Head down to the heart of St. Marks for plenty of crab claws and fun.
More great ways to celebrate the bounty of the Gulf of Mexico
Once these festivals are over you still have the opportunity to commemorate National Seafood Month in Wakulla County. Fresh seafood is an important part of our local culture, history, and economy, and you can find great seafood to cook or serve in numerous independent markets scattered throughout the county.
Or, if you prefer to hit the water and catch seafood yourself, check out all of the incredible opportunities for fishing (freshwater and saltwater) on our beautiful Gulf coast. Local outfitters and charter companies have everything you need to get started, just make sure you follow all regulations and take safety precautions when you’re on the water.
However you choose to celebrate National Seafood Month, we hope you’ll stay for awhile in Wakulla County, and discover more about our unique connection to the ocean.
